Our history

Caledonia Investments is a unique company with a family heritage linked to five generations of the Cayzer family. We are proud of a rich history that has made us what we are today.

From shipping to investments

Caledonia’s history is inextricably linked to the Cayzer family whose forebear Sir Charles Cayzer founded the shipping business Clan Line Steamers, the world’s largest cargo carrying line, in 1878.

His sons continued to grow the business after Charles’ death in 1916 and, in the 1950s, purchased the iconic Union-Castle line to create the British & Commonwealth Shipping Company.

Shipping, though, was in steep decline: the next generation of Cayzers was forced to look elsewhere to ensure the survival of the business. They became independent airline pioneers but realised that the company’s real future lay in financial services and shrewd investment. As a result, the wide-ranging British & Commonwealth conglomerate was created, which became one of the City’s best-known companies.

Family values: professional attitude

Caledonia brings together old-fashioned family values and professional skill with the aim of achieving consistently outstanding performance. We believe in transparent governance, keeping our promises and behaving properly. We are unique, not for what we do, but for what we are and how we do it.

We back management teams who have demonstrated the ability to make money, by taking meaningful equity stakes. We try to avoid businesses that we do not understand and seek to be rational.

Along with other professionals, two descendants of Sir Charles (fifth generation) are actively involved as executive directors. They are custodians of capital, aiming to generate and protect wealth for future generations. This sounds simple but is not easy in a world such as ours today. Indeed, it would be difficult to create another company like Caledonia from scratch.

Cayzer Family

The Cayzer Family Archive website charts the history of the family firm, Cayzer, Irvine & Company Limited, founded by the indomitable Sir Charles Cayzer in 1878.

It features fascinating artwork, photos, and insightful biographies and family letters.